HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 c1239
12. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health the number of infant deaths for 1951 attributable to organisms contained in liquid milk of all grades.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that the information is not available.

Mrs. Mann

Would the right hon. Gentleman try to get the information? I think he will agree that it is very important?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, but deaths attributable to organisms contained in liquid milk are not recorded as a separate form of death in the general registry.

Mrs. Mann

I appreciate that, but diseases like collapsed vertebrae and bone deficiency may be attributable to bad milk, and as this is very important would it be possible to make inquiries?

Mr. Macleod

I will have another look at it.

13. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health the number of organisms per cubic centimetre, permitted in certified milk, "Grade A" milk, and "Grade A. (T.T.)" milk including coliform organisms, respectively.

Mr. Iain Macleod

In England and Wales the regulations no longer provide for the designations for milk and the tests referred to in the Question. "Certified" and "Grade A (T.T.)" have been replaced by "Tuberculin Tested." "Grade A" has been replaced by "Accredited" and these grades of milk must comply with a methylene blue reduction test.

Mrs. Mann

Does the reply indicate that the standard has gone up, or that the standard formerly set can no longer be adhered to? To cut matters short, Mr. Speaker, may I ask if the Minister would try to let mothers know that all milk must still be boiled?

Mr. Macleod

I am really anxious to help the hon. Lady, but she must realise that she has asked me a question about a coliform test which does not exist, in relation to three grades of milk none of which exist. In view of that, it is difficult to give a more detailed answer.